Family Advocate – Guadalupe

Why join our countywide agency?

• Because each day, we make a difference in our community and have a positive, employee and client-centered work culture.
• We pay competitive rates and offer a strong benefits package that includes generous sick leave and holiday pay, employer-paid medical insurance, a free subscription to the meditation/sleep app Calm, and much more!
• We offer continuous employee education and development and paid clinical supervision.
• FSA is open to feedback, and we work with our staff to integrate new ideas and offer flexibility whenever possible.

We look forward to you joining our team at FSA of Santa Barbara County!

The Position

The Family Advocate position is an opportunity to provide crucial resources to families. Family Advocates will team up with families, individuals, and community partners to provide guidance in overcoming challenges and work towards stronger families and stronger communities. Through advocacy, goal setting, and connecting with community resources, the Family Advocate will help families identify challenges, boost their strengths, and help parents learn skills and information to handle stress, build resilience, and create caring environments for their overall well-being.

At FSA, we strive to be a trauma-informed and resilience-oriented organization. Working with people impacted by trauma can be challenging, so we actively support our staff to maintain a healthy and sustainable balance of care for themselves and others.

Sample of Duties and Responsibilities:

• Use assessment abilities and screening methods to determine family goals and decide on the right services (such as case management, providing information and recommendations, and parent education).
• Develop a solid understanding of community resources and consistently offer suitable referrals to help individuals access social, educational, and health services.
• Serve as a support by advocating between the family and community resources to support social emotional well-being, and family wellness.
• Encourage parental strength and social interactions by providing engagement opportunities such as workshops, Parent Café, and more.
• Provide education and resources to increase parent’s knowledge of child resources.
• Offer interpretation and translation assistance as needed to facilitate communication between families and community events.
• Engage in program outreach and represent FSA during collaborative meetings and community results.
• Use databases to keep track of and review program interactions, events, and results.
• Attend meetings with community partners to coordinate services and promote continuity of care.
• Services can be provided in the home, in the community, and/or This may also include schedule flexibility and working evening and/or weekend hours at some point.
• Collaborate closely with various school personnel, such as social workers, administrators, and school liaisons as needed.
• Contribute to program goals and ensure that services provided are within scope of practice.

Employment Standards:

• Equivalent work experience or a bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or education.
• Will speak, read, write, and understand English and Spanish fluently.
• At least one year’s work experience in a school or community setting where services to children and/or families are provided.
• Ability to have a warm and empathetic exchange to establish trusting relationships with children, parents and guardians, health professionals, and community organizations.
• Must have the ability and desire to provide services that are relevant to the culture of the family.
• The ability to be flexible and adapt service delivery to the family’s needs is necessary.
• Possess a valid California Driver’s License, proof of vehicle insurance, and reliable transportation.

Classification, Hours, and Pay Rate:

• The position is full-time (40 hours/week), non-exempt, with benefits. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and 403(b) retirement plan. Generous holidays, vacations, and sick leave are also offered.
• Pay is dependent on education and experience. Starting pay for applicants without a BA is $22.00/hour. For applicants with a BA, starting pay is $24.00/hour.

Family Service Agency’s north county DBA Santa Maria Valley Youth and Family Center. Family Service Agency (FSA) has long been regarded as one of Santa Barbara County’s most reliable and effective nonprofit human service organizations. Our mission is to strengthen and advocate for families and individuals of all ages and diversities, helping to create and preserve a healthy community. We are committed to providing services where they are needed most: in the community. Eighty percent of our services are delivered to school campuses, to community centers and to clients’ homes. Our programs, which serve more than 25,000 people annually, combine clinical expertise, bilingual and bicultural staff, and close collaboration with other agencies. At FSA, all services are provided free or on a sliding fee/donation scale and no one is denied assistance because of an inability to pay.

To apply for this position, it is highly recommended that you submit both a cover letter and resume here.
Visit our portal for other open positions.